The Branson School girls soccer team found itself trailing with just five minutes remaining in its first round North Coast Section playoff game against Oakland's Head-Royce (9-9-0) on Wednesday.

Caedran Harvey scored in the 75th minute to force overtime and Kelly McFarlane scored a golden goal in the 97th minute to punch Branson's ticket into the quarterfinals.

"I think the girls showed their class and their seasoning," Branson coach Tom Ryan said. "It's been a tough, long season. Getting into (the MCAL) playoffs always seasons us pretty well for NCS and we needed every bit of that today. If we had any less character, I think we would have lost today."

The No. 6 Bulls (10-4-8) advance to play No. 3 Marin Academy at 5 p.m. on Friday in San Rafael.

On both scoring plays, Head-Royce goalie Becca Rosenthal stopped initial shots by Kyra Deeth-Stehlin and Alana Shaw, respectively. Harvey was there to score on the rebound in regulation and McFarlane did likewise to produce the game winner.

Marin Academy 7, Athenian 0

The difference: After coming close on a number of early opportunities, the Wildcats broke through in the 26th minute then scored three more goals in the next five minutes to blow their NCS playoff game open. Alysse Godino scored the first goal, Torie White scored a minute later then Jo Ubben scored goals in back-to-back minutes. White scored twice in the second half against 14th seed Athenian (10-10-0) to complete the hat trick. Ying Fry scored a goal and had four assists.

From the coach: "We had already hit the frame five times (before the first goal) and had numerous chances," MA's Josh Kalkstein said. "We finished with 28 shots."

Notable: The No. 3 Wildcats (13-1-3) host Branson in the quarterfinals at 5 p.m. on Friday.

Tam 0, International 0 (6-5 on PKs)

The difference: Caitlin Firmage scored a penalty kick in the ninth round of the penalty shootout to lead No. 4 Tam (13-4-6) to a hard-fought victory over San Francisco's International (16-7-0) in the first round of the NCS playoffs. Kalia Rothlind had a chance to win the game in the 85th minute, but her shot sailed just wide. The game remained tied through two overtimes, necessitating the shootout.

From the coach: "International came out and played very well," said Tam's Dustin Nygaard. "We just couldn't seem to find the net and the game kept going and going."

Notable: Tam played without striker Storie Ledger (sports hernia) and Essie Weiner (broken foot). Both will miss the rest of the season. The Red-tailed Hawks host Drake in the quarterfinals at 5 p.m. on Friday.

Drake 6, College Prep 0

The difference: Erin Freeman scored three goals to help guide the Pirates into the quarterfinals of the section playoffs. Kelsey Shea, Anna Pieri and Michaela Serchia scored the other goals for Drake (15-5-4). The win sets up a rematch against Tam at 5 p.m. on Friday in Mill Valley. The Pirates won the regular-season meeting 2-1 but lost 1-0 in the MCAL semifinals last week.

From the coach: "It's two evenly matched teams," Drake's Rene Ayala said of the upcoming match against Tam. "I think it's going to be another nailbiter. We're looking forward to the challenge, no doubt."

Notable: The No. 5 Pirates went scoreless for the first 20 minutes against No. 12 College Prep of Oakland, but Ayala said the game changed when Ellie Ryan and Tio Ferrando helped Drake take control of the midfield.

Marin Catholic 6, Contra Costa Christian 0

The difference: Nicole Henderson scored a natural hat trick in the first 16 minutes of the game and tacked on a fourth goal in the second half to lead the second-seeded Wildcats (9-1-10) past the No. 15 Cougars (12-7-1) in the NCS playoffs. Alyssa Devine and Jessica McLellan provided assists on Henderson's first two goals. Stephanie Noonan scored MC's fourth goal in the 17th minute and Alison Barry capped the scoring late in the game.

From the coach: "We let everyone play," MC assistant Ralph Montes said. "It builds our confidence. We played on a grass field and we'd only played once in 20 games on a grass field but the girls adapted well."

The scoop: The Red Devils from San Francisco scored three times to eliminate the 10th-seeded Hornets from the NCS playoffs. No further information was available.

Lick-Wilmerding 0, San Marin 0 (3-2 on PKs)

The scoop: The Mustangs' defense stood tall in a defensive battle but San Marin eventually fell 3-2 in the penalty-kick shootout. No. 9 Lick-Wilmerding advances to face top-seeded Redwood, which had a first-round bye, in the quarterfinals at 3:30 p.m. on Friday at Redwood. No further information was available.

BOYS LACROSSE

Foothill 15, Marin Academy 3

The difference: Brett Suddendorf, Elliot Plant and Zach Zeff scored goals but the 16th-seeded Wildcats couldn't keep pace with top-seeded Foothill of Pleasanton in the first round of the NCS playoffs.

From the coach: "Foothill is an exceptional team, they're No. 1 for a reason," MA's Josh Frechette said. "It's our first NCS experience. I chalk it up as a great experience for our boys. I think they learned a lot about what it takes to get to the next level."

Notable: Marin Academy (14-2) made the section playoffs just two seasons after posting a 3-13 record.

De La Salle 14, Marin Catholic 2

The difference: Marin Catholic was outmatched on offense in its NCS playoff loss to visiting De La Salle of Concord. Dylan Snyder and Richard Yocke scored the only goals for the No. 15 Wildcats (10-10).

From the coach: "We didn't bring our 'A' game today," MC's Will McGettigan said. "But I'm trying to keep it in perspective because we had a great second half of the season with that nine-game winning streak."

The difference: Marin Catholic lost control of the second half in its NCS playoff loss on the road against Granada of Livermore. Sierra Perrella and KC Hill scored multiple goals each for the No. 9 Wildcats (16-5).

From the coach: "We were tied 3-3 at halftime but they just got us late," MC's Whitney Hanley said.

Notable: Despite the loss, Ania Kuroczko played solidly on defense for the Wildcats and caused several turnovers.